JP4373605B2 - Catheter assembly with remote inductive coupler and embedded transmission path - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
(Technical field)
The present invention relates to catheter systems, and more particularly to intravascular catheter assemblies used in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields.
[0002]
(Background of the Invention)
Intravascular catheter assemblies are employed to diagnose and / or treat abnormalities within the human vasculature. A typical intravascular catheter assembly includes a remotely mounted manipulator such as an ablation electrode that is in electrical communication with a closely located manipulator such as an RF generator. Currently, an intraluminal catheter assembly includes an elongated catheter body into which an internal lumen is projected for the purpose of guiding a transmission path between a remotely mounted operating device and a proximally mounted operating device.
[0003]
Often, an intraductal catheter assembly supports a number of remotely mounted controls, thereby providing the physician with a single multifunction platform. However, because the radius of the catheter body must be small enough to be routed through the vasculature, the size and number of internal lumens that can be protruded through the catheter body is a critical factor, thereby causing these catheter assemblies to Limit the amount, combination, and / or performance of supported remote controls.
[0004]
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a typical ultrasound imaging / ablation catheter assembly 300 may be used for remotely mounted ablation electrodes so that a physician can more easily image and ablate abnormal vasculature tissue. 304 and an elongate catheter body 302 with a remotely located rotating ultrasonic transducer 306.
[0005]
The ablation electrode 304 is electrically coupled to an RF generator (not shown) disposed in close proximity via a transmission line 308 guided through a first internal lumen 310 protruding into the catheter body 302. The operation of the RF generator transmits radio frequency electrical energy through the transmission line 308 to the ablation electrode 304, which then radiates the RF energy to the vasculature tissue adjacent to the ablation electrode 304.
[0006]
The ultrasonic transducer 306 is mounted on a transducer housing 312 disposed within the catheter body 302. The ultrasonic transducer 306 is mechanically and rotationally coupled to a drive unit (not shown) disposed in close proximity via a drive cable 314 that is rotationally disposed within the second internal lumen 316. The ultrasonic transducer 306 is electrically coupled to a signal transceiver (not shown) arranged in close proximity via a transmission line (not shown) arranged inside the drive cable 314. Operation of the drive unit rotates the drive cable 314 and thus rotates the ultrasonic transducer 306 relative to the catheter body 302. The simultaneous operation of the transceiver transmits and receives electrical energy alternately to and from the ultrasonic transducer 306 via a transmission line in which the drive cable is located, thereby causing the vasculature adjacent to the ultrasonic transducer 306 to the physician. Provides a 360 ° video of the organization.
[0007]
Catheter assembly 300 is configured such that drive cable 314 and remotely mounted ultrasound transducer 306 are “retrograde” (ie, inserted or retracted) through second internal lumen 316. The size of the ultrasound transducer 306 and thus the integrity of the video data obtained therefrom is thus limited by the size of the second internal lumen 316. However, the size of the second inner lumen 316 may be increased by removing the transmission path 308.
[0008]
Another challenge with the intravascular catheter assembly is the coupling of electrical signals between the remote non-rotating manipulator equipment and the proximity non-rotating manipulator equipment such as the ultrasonic transducer 306 and transceiver described above employed in the catheter assembly 300, for example. is there. In general, to provide this inductive coupling, an inductive coupler is connected in parallel with the signal wire at the proximal end of the catheter. As such, that portion of the signal wire remote from the inductive coupler rotates with the transducer and must therefore be installed within it throughout the length of the drive cable. Although a closely placed inductive coupler provides sufficient inductive coupling between the transducer and the transceiver, this arrangement has a number of drawbacks.
[0009]
For example, single-wire drive cables further exacerbate the phenomenon experienced by ultrasound imaging catheters called non-uniform rotational strain (NURD). NURD is a friction between the rotating imaging core and the inner wall of the catheter that is increased by the many twists and rotations that the catheter must undergo in order to place the transducer in the desired imaging position within the patient's body. Caused by force. These frictional forces cause the imaging core to rotate about its axis in an uneven manner, thereby resulting in a distorted image.
[0010]
NURD is minimized by “optimizing” the structure of the drive cable, for example by changing the diameter, weight, material, etc. of the drive cable. However, the characteristics of the drive cable are dictated in part by the signal wires placed therein, thereby limiting the optimization of this NURD minimization. Furthermore, signal wires cause non-uniformities for drive cables that cannot be optimized.
[0011]
Another disadvantage of the proximity-inductive coupler is that the drive cable diameter must be increased to accommodate the signal wire, thereby otherwise e.g. pulling wire operability, angioplasty balloon treatment, ablation It will occupy space inside the catheter that would be used to support treatment or other functions such as blood flow (Doppler) measurements.
[0012]
Another drawback of the close-up inductive coupler is that the coupler is far away preventing its use for transducer optimization, i.e., transducer tuning and matching or prevention of transducer low frequency component emissions. Thus, additional measurements must be employed to optimize the transducer or minimize its undesirable effects.
[0013]
For example, at its normal operating frequency, the transducer exhibits a net capacitive reactance. Thus, inductive reactance should be provided to “cancel” this capacitive reactance in order to efficiently couple the transmit / receive signals to the transducer (eg, to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio). However, the close proximity inductive coupler does not provide the required inductance because the inductance creating structure must be placed along the signal wire in close proximity to the transducer. Instead, such results can be achieved by placing an induction coil in series with the signal wire as shown in US Pat. No. 4,899,757 to Pope, Jr. et al.
[0014]
In addition to canceling the capacitive reactance created by the transducer, it is also desirable to match the transducer impedance to the characteristic impedance of the signal wire to minimize signal reflections. In particular, close-position inductive couplers are in close proximity to signal wires due to their limitations and therefore cannot be used to perform such matching. An attempt can be made to optimize the size and material of the transducer in order to align the signal wire with it. However, such optimization is limited and thus the signal power will be reduced to the extent that no signal reflection is removed.
[0015]
Furthermore, the excited transducer naturally creates a low frequency component of vibration, which creates a number of higher frequency components (eg 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, etc.). These undesirable signals cannot be removed through the use of a proximity inductive coupler and must be filtered at the proximal end of the catheter. However, signals within the frequency band in which the imaging system is operated are not filtered and must be treated as interference.
[0016]
Theoretically, the parallel derivative can be placed in close proximity to the transducer to short out the low frequency components, thereby removing the high frequency components. However, such arrangements are complex and expensive and are thus insufficient only for the purpose of removing unwanted components of transducer vibration.
[0017]
Accordingly, it may be desirable to increase the available space within the catheter body by removing or at least reducing the number of internal lumens that support the transmission path. It would be further desirable to improve the mechanical and electrical performance of catheters that employ distant rotating and proximal non-rotating operating devices.
[0018]
(Summary of the Invention)
The present invention provides an improved in-tube that employs a remotely located inductive coupling assembly and / or at least one conductor embedded in the outer wall of an elongated catheter body to provide linkage between respective distal and proximal manipulators. By providing a catheter assembly, the above disadvantages of conventional endovascular catheter assemblies are overcome.
[0019]
In a first embodiment, a catheter assembly according to the present invention includes an elongated catheter body that is rotatable relative to the catheter body and has a proximal end and a distal end disposed within the drive cable. The first electromagnetic device is disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the catheter body in electrical communication with the proximity operation device near the proximal end of the catheter body. The second electromagnetic component is coupled in electrical communication with the drive cable in a rotational manner and with a remote operation device coupled in a rotational manner with the drive cable. The first and second electromagnetic components form an inductive coupler.
[0020]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the first electromagnetic device has a stator fixedly disposed inside the catheter body, the second electromagnetic device has a rotor placed at the distal end of the drive cable, Here, the stator generally has a hollow cylinder, and the rotor has a rod disposed rotatably in the hollow cylinder. The stator and rotor are preferably made of a ferrite material, the stator has a first electrically conductive coil disposed on the inner surface of the hollow cylinder, and the rotor is a second electrical conductor disposed on the outer surface of the rod. Has a conductive coil.
[0021]
The stator and rotor have opposing surface areas, where each stator and rotor area has a value for the inductive reactance of the inductive coupler, along with the respective diameter, size and number of turns of the first and second electrically conductive coils. It is selected to be substantially equal to the capacitive reactance of the operating device, which can be, for example, an ultrasonic transducer.
[0022]
Further in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the catheter assembly includes a first conductor having a distal end electrically coupled to the stator and a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the signal transceiver. The first conductor has a winding ratio between the first and second electrical conducting coils, selected so that the input impedance seen from the transmission line looking at the inductive coupler substantially matches the characteristic impedance of the transmission line It is preferable to be disposed inside the catheter body. The catheter assembly includes a second conductor having a proximal end electrically coupled to the rotor and a distal end electrically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The signal transceiver and the ultrasound transducer are configured to provide 360 ° imaging of body tissue, such as arterial tissue.
[0023]
In a second preferred embodiment, a catheter assembly according to the present invention includes an elongated catheter body with a drive cable disposed therein and having proximal and distal ends that are rotatable relative to the catheter body. The first and second electromagnetic devices are disposed near the distal end of the catheter body, and are electrically connected to the first and second proximity operation devices near the proximal end of the catheter body, respectively. The third and fourth electromagnetic components are rotationally coupled to the drive cable and are in electrical communication with first and second remote control devices that are rotationally coupled to the drive cable. The first and third ceramics form a first inductive coupler, and the second and fourth ceramics form a second inductive coupler.
[0024]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second electromagnetic components each have first and second stators fixedly disposed on the catheter body, and the third and fourth electromagnetic components are drive cables. First and second rotors mounted at the distal ends of the rotors, wherein the stator generally has a hollow cylinder, and the rotors each have a rod rotatably disposed in the hollow cylinder.
[0025]
Further in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the catheter assembly includes a distal end electrically coupled to the first and second stators, respectively, and a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the first and second signal transceivers, respectively. And including first and second conductors. The catheter assembly includes third and fourth conductors, each having a proximal end electrically coupled to the first and second rotors and a distal end electrically coupled to the first and second ultrasonic transducers, respectively. . The first signal transceiver and the first ultrasound transducer are configured to provide 360 ° imaging of body tissue such as arterial tissue, and the second signal transceiver and the second ultrasound transducer are configured to provide blood vessels such as arteries. Configured to provide Doppler measurement of blood flow through.
[0026]
In a third preferred embodiment, a catheter assembly according to the present invention includes an elongated telescopic catheter body disposed therebetween and having a proximal end and a distal end with a drive cable rotatable relative to the catheter body. The first electromagnetic device is disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the catheter body, and is electrically connected to the proximity operation device in the vicinity of the proximal end of the catheter body. The second electromagnetic device is rotationally coupled to the drive cable and is electrically connected to a remote operating device that is rotationally coupled to the drive cable. The first and second electromagnetic components form an inductive coupler. The telescopic catheter body is movably disposed within the main catheter body to provide a longitudinal displacement of the remote control device relative to the main catheter body. A special aspect of the third preferred embodiment is the first aspect except that a controlled longitudinal displacement of the telescopic catheter body relative to the main catheter body provides a 360 ° image slice that is longitudinally engraved. Similar to those of the preferred embodiment.
[0027]
In a fourth preferred embodiment, the catheter body according to the present invention comprises an elongate catheter body with a first remote control device disposed thereon. The first remote control device is electrically coupled to the first proximity control device via a transmission path embedded in the wall of the catheter body. The catheter assembly includes a drive cable and a second remote control device that is rotationally coupled to the drive cable. The second remote control device is electrically coupled to the second proximity control device via a transmission path inside the drive cable.
[0028]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the first remote control device has the first ultrasonic transducer mounted on the distal end of the catheter body such that the surface of the ultrasonic transducer is perpendicular to the axis of the catheter body. . The second remote control device has a second ultrasonic transducer placed at the remote end of the drive cable. The first and second proximity devices each have a signal transceiver. The first signal transceiver and the first ultrasound transducer are configured to provide a Doppler measurement of blood flow through a blood vessel such as an artery, for example, and the second signal transceiver and the second ultrasound transducer are, for example, arterial tissue Configured to provide a 360 ° image of the body tissue. The catheter wall can be used as part of the transmission path.
[0029]
In a fifth preferred embodiment, a catheter assembly according to the present invention includes an elongate catheter body with first and second remote control devices disposed thereon. The first remote operation device is electrically coupled to the first proximity operation device via respective first and second transmission paths embedded in the wall of the catheter body. The catheter assembly includes a drive cable and a third remote control device that is rotationally coupled to the drive cable. The third remote control device is electrically coupled to the second proximity control device via a transmission path inside the drive cable.
[0030]
According to another aspect of the invention, the first and second remote control devices have respective first and second electrodes, such as ablation electrodes mounted on the distal end of the catheter body. The first proximity device has an RF generator. The third remote control device has an ultrasonic transducer placed at the remote end of the drive cable. The second proximity device has a signal transceiver. The first and second ablation devices and the RF generator are configured to provide ablation treatment to adjacent body tissue, such as arterial tissue, and the ultrasound transducer and signal transceiver are, for example, body tissue, such as arterial tissue Is configured to provide 360 ° video.
[0031]
In a sixth preferred embodiment, a catheter assembly according to the present invention includes an elongate catheter body with a plurality of remote control devices disposed thereon. The plurality of remote operation devices are electrically coupled to at least one proximity operation device via a plurality of transmission paths embedded in the wall of the catheter body.
[0032]
According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality of remote control devices have respective transducer devices arranged to surround the periphery of the catheter body to form a phased array. The proximity equipment includes a transceiver configured to provide a phased electrical signal to a plurality of transducer equipment.
[0033]
Other and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate both the design and utility of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0034]
(Detailed description of the invention)
With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, a first exemplary catheter assembly 10 according to the present invention for ultrasound imaging of a patient's internal body tissue, eg, an arterial wall, is provided. Catheter assembly 10 generally includes an elongate catheter body 12, a remote inductive coupler 14, a drive cable 18, a rotary remote operator device 16, and a non-rotational proximity operator device 17. A drive cable 18 is disposed through substantially the entire catheter body 12 and both are suitably mounted on a drive unit 19 proximate to the catheter assembly 10 at their respective proximal ends.
[0035]
The distal inductive coupler 14 is disposed at the distal end of the catheter body 12 and generally includes a stator 20 and a rotor 22. The stator 20 is fixedly placed on the distal end of the catheter body 12. In particular, the stator 20 is supported on the inner surface of the catheter body 12 as by the method of heat shrinking the catheter body 12 over the stator 20. However, it can be appreciated that other methods of securing the stator 20 within the catheter body 12 can be achieved, for example, by at least partially embedding the stator 20 within the wall of the catheter body 12.
[0036]
The rotor 22 is rotatably mounted inside the stator 20. In particular, the stator 20 includes a generally hollow cylinder 21 having a generally uniform inner diameter. The stator 20 includes an annular flange 38 integrally formed on the inner surface of the hollow cylinder 21 at its proximal end. The stator 20 includes respective first and second openings 34 and 36 through which the rotor 22 extends.
[0037]
In particular, the distal end of the cavity cylinder 21 defines a first opening 34 having a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the cavity cylinder 21. The annular flange 38 defines a second opening 36 having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the first opening 34. The rotor 22 has a cylindrical rod 40 and a bearing disc 42 formed on the distal end of the cylindrical rod 40 and preferably integral therewith. The diameters of the rod 40 and the bearing disc 42 are such that the arrangement of the rotor 22 in the stator 20 creates a first bearing surface 44 and a second bearing surface 46 therebetween, respectively, of the first opening 34 and the second opening 36. It is substantially equal to the diameter.
[0038]
In this manner, the first and second bearing surfaces 44 and 46 prevent lateral movement of the rotor 22 relative to the stator 20. The importance of the positional relationship between the rotor 22 and the stator 20 is the close proximity between them so that the induction efficiency between the rotor 22 and the stator 20 is maximized.
[0039]
That is, when the rotor 22 rotates relative to the stator 20, the alternating current applied to either the stator 20 or the rotor 22 creates an alternating current corresponding to the other. Thus, the rotor 22 and the stator 20 also have rotating and non-rotating disks, for example, facing each other.
[0040]
The rotor 22 includes a thrust disk 48 and a thrust washer 50. Thrust disk 48 is formed on the distal end of rod 40 and is preferably integral therewith. The thrust washer 50 is disposed around the proximal end of the rod 40 and is fixed thereto. Thrust disk 48 and thrust washer 50 cooperate to form a first thrust surface 52 and a second thrust surface 54.
[0041]
More specifically, the thrust disk 48 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the first opening 34 and is on the far side of the stator 20 so that the proximal surface of the thrust disk 48 contacts the far surface of the stator 20. Adjacent. The thrust washer 50 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the second opening 36 and is adjacent to the stator 20 on its proximal side so that the distal surface of the thrust washer 50 contacts the proximal surface of the stator 20. In this manner, the respective first and second thrust surfaces 52 and 54 prevent longitudinal movement of the rotor 22 relative to the stator 20.
[0042]
The remote control device 16 has an ultrasonic transducer device 28 fixedly mounted on the conductive housing 30 such that the surface of the transducer device 28 is substantially parallel to the axis of the elongated catheter body 12. In the preferred embodiment, there is a slight angle between the face of the transducer equipment 28 and the axis of the catheter assembly 10, thereby providing a "conical sweep" during imaging.
[0043]
Proximity device 17 includes a transceiver that alternately transmits and receives electrical signals to and from transducer device 28 to obtain data for vascular wall imaging in which catheter assembly 10 is disposed. However, the remote control device 16 and the proximity control device 17 are not limited to the transducer device 28 and the transceiver, respectively, and any rotary and non-rotary devices that are each electrically coupled to each other without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. It can be recognized that can also be included.
[0044]
The housing 30 so that the conductive transducer backing material 32 made of a suitable material is attenuated therein by substantially all of the ultrasonic energy emitted by the transducer equipment 28 to the transducer backing material 32. In and underneath the transducer equipment 28.
[0045]
Conversely, a transducer matching material made of a suitable material is bonded to the surface of the transducer equipment 28 as a transducer matching layer 33 opposite the transducer backing material 32. The purpose of the matching layer 33, or multiple matching layers, is to maximize energy propagation through the matching layer to improve transducer efficiency and enhance signal bandwidth. The transceiver 17 is placed inside the drive unit 19. However, the transceiver 17 can be mounted on any stationary platform proximate to the inductive coupler 14 without departing from the principles taught by the present invention.
[0046]
The housing 30, the rotor 22, and the drive cable 18 are mechanically and rotationally coupled to the drive unit 19 such that when the drive unit 19 is operated, they rotate as an integral unit with respect to the stator 20. . In particular, the proximal end of the drive cable 18 is suitably placed on the drive unit 19 using means known in the art. The drive cable 18 is preferably designed such that it possesses high torsional stiffness and low bending stiffness.
[0047]
For example, the drive cable 18 is a reverse of a multi-filler coil manufactured using the technique disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,951,677 to Crowley et al., Fully incorporated herein by reference. Made with thatched layer. The proximal end of the rod 40 is suitably placed inside the drive cable 18 using known means such as welding. The rotor 22 includes a housing mounting disk 56 formed on the proximal end of the rod 40 and preferably integral therewith. The housing mounting disk 56 is remote from the bearing disk 48 and is properly mounted inside the housing 30 using known means such as welding.
[0048]
Transceiver 17 is electrically connected to transducer equipment 28 through inductive coupler 14 and first and second transmission lines 24 and 26, respectively. In particular, the transceiver 17 is electrically connected to the stator 20 via the first transmission path 24. The first transmission path 24 is preferably a twisted pair, but may be any electrical conductor used in the manufacture of catheters such as coaxial cables. The first transmission line 24 is fixed relative to the stator 20 and uses a known extrusion method as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,277,432 to Woinowski, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Thus, it is preferably disposed inside the catheter body 12. However, as an alternative, the first transmission path 24 can be placed inside the catheter lumen using means known in the art.
[0049]
The transducer device 28 is electrically connected to the rotor 22 of the inductive coupler 14 via the second transmission path 26. Again, the second transmission line 26 is preferably made of a twisted pair, but can also be made of a coaxial cable. The second transmission path 26 is appropriately bonded to the rotor 22 and the housing 30 such that the second transmission path 26 rotates integrally with the housing 30, the rotor 22 and the drive cable 18.
As described above, the stator 20 and the rotor 22 are inductively coupled. In particular, the inductive coupler 14 includes an annular space 57 formed between the inner surface of the cavity cylinder 21 and the outer surface of the rod 40. The stator 20 includes a first electrically conductive coil 58 disposed within the annular space 57 and suitably bonded to the inner surface of the cavity cylinder 21. The rotor 22 includes a second electrically conductive coil 55 disposed within the annular space 57 and suitably bonded to the outer surface of the rod 40. The annular space 57 provides a close positional relationship between the first and second coils 58 and 55, respectively, without any contact between them.
[0050]
The first transmission path 24 is connected to each end of the coil 58, and the second transmission path 26 is connected to each end of the coil 55. In this manner, transceiver 17 and transducer equipment 28 are electrically connected in parallel to stator 20 and rotor 22, respectively.
[0051]
In order to maximize the induction efficiency of the inductive coupler 14, the stator 20 and rotor 22 are preferably made of a magnetic material such as ferrite, and the respective first and second coils 58 and 55 are made of copper. Is preferred. The special characteristic impedance of the inductive coupler 14 is preferably selected to match the signal carrying capacity of the first transmission line 24.
[0052]
That is, the diameter, size of the wire and the number of turns of the first and second coils 58 and 55, respectively, and the surface area of the stator 20 and rotor 22 are such that the inductive coupler 14 is the net capacitive reactance of the transducer equipment at its operating frequency. Selected to exhibit substantially equal inductive reactance. Further, in order to prevent signal reflection between the second transmission line 26 and the inductive coupler 14, the number of turns of the first and second coils 58 and 55 is such that the input impedance of the inductive coupler 14 is the first transmission line 24. Should be selected to match the characteristic impedance.
[0053]
In use, the catheter assembly 10 is inserted into a blood vessel with respect to a patient. For example, if the catheter assembly 10 is used to image a patient's coronary artery, it would be conveniently inserted percutaneously into the patient's femoral artery. The catheter assembly 10 is then manipulated by the physician until the desired area of the patient's coronary artery is adjacent to the transducer equipment 28.
[0054]
With the catheter assembly 10 in place, ultrasound imaging of adjacent arterial tissue may be conveniently achieved by sending electrical pulses to and receiving electrical pulses from the rotating transducer instrument 28.
[0055]
In particular, the drive unit 19 is operated to rotate the transducer equipment 28 at a high rotational speed. In particular, the drive unit 19 provides rotational energy to the drive cable 18 which in turn provides rotational energy to the transducer equipment 28 via the rotor 22 of the inductive coupler 14. By preventing any lateral and longitudinal movement of the rotor 22 relative to the stator 20 via the bearing surfaces 44 and 46 and the thrust surfaces 52 and 54, respectively, a uniform inductive relationship between the stator 20 and the rotor 22 is obtained. It is done.
[0056]
The transceiver 17 transmits an electrical pulse to the stator 22 via the first transmission path 24, thereby charging the first coil 58. The charge on coil 58 is inductively coupled to coil 55. Inductive coupling is maximized by the close positional relationship between the stator 20 and the rotor 22 at the respective first and second bearing surfaces 44 and 46. The inductive charge of the second coil 55 is then transmitted to the transducer equipment 28 via the second transmission path 26.
[0057]
The electrically excited transducer device 28 emits ultrasonic energy that reflects off the patient's arterial wall and returns to the transducer device 28. This reflected ultrasonic energy creates a return electrical signal in the transducer equipment 28 that is transmitted back to the rotor 22 via the second transmission path 26, thereby charging the second coil 55. The charge on coil 55 is inductively coupled to coil 58. The inductive charge on the first coil 58 is then transmitted back to the transceiver 17 via the first transmission path 24. This return electric signal is further processed as video data. The transceiver 17 alternately transmits electrical pulses to and receives electrical pulses from the transducer equipment 28 to obtain further video data.
[0058]
Since the inductive coupler 14 is positioned closely adjacent to the transducer equipment 28, an effectively increased signal-to-noise ratio is obtained with the benefit that a higher quality video signal is transmitted to the transceiver 17. . That is, since the inductive reactance of the inductive coupler 14 is equal to the net capacitive reactance of the transducer equipment 28, the reactive power of the return electrical pulse is minimized.
[0059]
Furthermore, since the inductive coupler 14 is used to match the impedance of the transducer equipment 28 to the characteristic impedance of the first transmission line 24, signal reflection is minimized. Finally, since the inductive coupler 14 is electrically connected in parallel to the transducer equipment 28, the inductive coupler 14 shorts out any low frequency components of the vibration created by the transducer equipment 28, and thus non-filterable high frequency components are produced. Further prevent it from being created. As such, the signal-to-noise ratio of the return electrical signal is increased, thus obtaining a higher quality image.
[0060]
With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4, a second exemplary catheter assembly 60 is provided for measurement of blood velocity inside a patient's blood vessel, while also providing an ultrasound image of the vessel wall. The catheter assembly 60 generally includes an elongated catheter body 62, respective first and second remote inductive couplers 64 and 65, a drive cable 66, respective first and second rotary remote manipulators 68 and 70, and respective first. One and second non-rotating proximity manipulators 72 and 74 are included.
[0061]
A drive cable 66 is disposed substantially throughout the catheter body 62, both of which are mounted at their proximal ends on a drive unit 76 proximate the catheter assembly 60. Respective first and second inductive couplers 64 and 65 are disposed at the distal end of the catheter body 62 and generally include a first stator 78 and a first rotor 82, respectively, and a second stator 80 and a second rotor 83, respectively. Including. The first and second inductive couplers 64 and 65 are coaxial with each other.
In particular, the first and second taters 78 and 80, respectively, are supported on the inner surface of the catheter body 62, such as by way of heat shrinking the catheter body 62 over it. However, other ways of securing the first and second stators 78 and 80 within the catheter body 62 can be achieved, for example, by embedding the first and second stators 78 and 80 at least partially within the wall of the catheter body 62. It can be recognized that.
[0062]
The construction of the first and second inductive couplers 64 and 65, respectively, guides the catheter assembly 10 except that the first rotor 82 lacks a thrust washer and the second rotor 83 lacks a housing disk and a thrust disk 48. The structure is the same as that of the coupler 14 described above. The first stator 78 and the first rotor 82 form first and second bearing surfaces 85 and 87 and a first annular space 93 therebetween, and the second stator 80 and the second rotor 83 are third and Fourth bearing surfaces 89 and 91 and a second annular space 95 are formed therebetween.
[0063]
Catheter assembly 60 includes an insulating disk 84 disposed between respective first and second inductive couplers 64 and 65. The insulating disk 84 is made of an electrically insulating material to prevent electrical conduction between the respective first and second inductive couplers 64 and 65.
[0064]
In particular, the proximal end of the first stator 78 and the distal end of the second stator 80 abut against the distal and proximal surfaces of the insulating disk 84, respectively. The proximal end of the first rotor 82 and the distal end of the second rotor 83 are fixedly placed on the distal and proximal surfaces of the insulating disk 84, respectively. The surface of the insulating disk 84 preferably has a recess formed therein for receiving the respective ends of the rotors 82 and 83.
[0065]
The second rotor 83 includes a thrust washer 86 disposed near the proximal end of the rod rotor 83 and fixed thereto. Thrust disk 79, thrust washer 86, and insulating disk 84 formed at the distal end of first rotor 82 are first and second respectively in much the same manner as described above with reference to inductive coupler 22 of catheter assembly 10. , Cooperate to form third and fourth thrust surfaces 97, 99, 101 and 103.
[0066]
In this way, the induction efficiency of the first and second inductive couplers 64 and 65, respectively, is increased. In particular, the bearing surfaces 85, 87, 89 and 91 and the thrust surfaces 97, 99, 101 and 103 provide a close positional relationship and the lateral and longitudinal movement between the stators 78 and 80 and the rotors 82 and 83, respectively. To prevent.
[0067]
The first remote control device 68 is a first ultrasonic transducer that is fixedly mounted on the conductive housing 81 such that the surface of the first ultrasonic transducer device 88 is substantially parallel to the axis of the elongated catheter body 62. It has equipment 88.
[0068]
In the preferred embodiment, there is a slight angle between the face of the first ultrasonic transducer instrument 88 and the axis of the catheter assembly 60, thereby providing a “conical sweep” between the images. The first proximity device 72 alternately transmits and receives electrical signals to and from the first transducer device 88 to obtain data for vessel wall imaging in which the catheter assembly 60 is disposed. Have
[0069]
The second remote operation device 70 is fixedly placed on the far end of the conductive housing 81 so that the surface of the second ultrasonic transducer device 90 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the elongated catheter body 62. It has two ultrasonic transducer equipment 90.
[0070]
The second proximity device 74 alternately transmits electrical signals to and from the second transducer device 90 to obtain data for Doppler measurement of blood flow within the blood vessel in which the catheter assembly 60 is disposed. A second transceiver for receiving; However, the remote control devices 68 and 70 and the proximity control devices 72 and 74 are not limited to the transducer devices 88 and 90 and the transceiver, respectively, and any rotation that is electrically connected to each other without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. It can be appreciated that both formula and non-rotating devices can also be included.
[0071]
The conductive transducer backing material 92 made of a suitable material is attenuated therein so that substantially all of the ultrasonic energy emitted by the transducer equipment 88 and 90 to the transducer backing material 92 is attenuated therein. It is placed in the housing 81.
[0072]
Conversely, a transducer matching material made of a suitable material is formed on the surface of the respective transducer equipment 88 and 90 as respective transducer matching layers 105 and 107 opposite the transducer backing material 92. The purpose of the matching layers 105 and 107, or multiple matching layers, is to maximize energy propagation through the matching layers to improve transducer efficiency and enhance signal bandwidth. Each transceiver 72 and 74 is mounted within drive unit 76, however, can be mounted on any stationary platform proximate to inductive coupler 64 without departing from the principles taught by the present invention.
[0073]
Rotors 82 and 83 are mechanically and rotationally mounted on housing 81 and drive cable 66, respectively, in much the same manner as described above with reference to rotor 22, housing 30, and drive cable 18. Thus, the housing 81, the respective first and second rotors 82 and 83, and the drive cable 66 rotate as one unit.
[0074]
In much the same manner as described above for the transceiver 17 and the transducer assembly 28 of the catheter assembly 10, the first transceiver 72 is routed through the first inductive coupler 64 and the first and second transmission lines 94 and 96, respectively. 88, and the second transceiver 74 is electrically connected to the second transducer instrument 90 through the second inductive coupler 65 and third and fourth transmission lines 98 and 100, respectively.
[0075]
In particular, transceivers 72 and 74 are electrically connected to stators 78 and 80 via first and third transmission lines 94 and 98, respectively. The transmission lines 94 and 98 are preferably twisted pairs, but may be any electrical conductor used in the manufacture of catheters such as coaxial cables. The first and third transmission lines 94 and 98 are preferably fixed relative to the stators 78 and 80, respectively, and disposed within the catheter body 62 using known extrusion methods. However, the first transmission lines 94 and 98 can also be placed inside a catheter lumen (not shown) using means known in the art.
[0076]
Transducer equipment 88 and 90 are electrically connected to rotors 82 and 83 via second and fourth transmission lines 96 and 100, respectively. Again, transmission lines 96 and 100 are preferably made of twisted pairs, but can also be made of coaxial cables. The second transmission path 96 is suitably bonded to the first rotor 82 and the housing 81 and the fourth transmission so that the transmission paths 96 and 100 rotate integrally with the housing 81, the rotors 82 and 83 and the drive cable 66. The path 100 is appropriately bonded to the second rotor 83 and the housing 81.
[0077]
As described above, stators 78 and 80 are inductively coupled to rotors 82 and 83, respectively. In particular, the first stator 78 and the second stator 80 each include a first electrically conductive coil 102 and a third electrically conductive coil 106 that are suitably bonded to their inner surfaces, respectively, and the first rotor 82 and the second rotor 83 are It includes a second electrically conductive coil 104 and a fourth electrically conductive coil 108 that are suitably bonded to the outer surface.
[0078]
A first annular space 93 formed between the first stator 78 and the first rotor 82, and a second annular space 95 formed between the second stator 80 and the second rotor 83, respectively. A close positional relationship is obtained between 102 and 104 and between the respective third and fourth coils 102 and 104 without any contact therebetween. Respective first, second, third and fourth transmission lines 94, 96, 98 and 100 are connected to the respective first, second, third and fourth coils 102, 104, 106 and 108 as shown. Connected to each end.
[0079]
In this manner, the respective first and second transceivers are electrically connected in parallel to the respective first and second stators 78 and 80, and the respective first and second transducer equipment 88 and 90 are respectively The first and second rotors 82 and 83 are electrically connected in parallel, respectively.
[0080]
As with the inductive coupler 14 of the catheter assembly 10, various parameters of the respective first and second inductive couplers 64 and 65 can be selected to maximize the efficiency of the catheter assembly 60.
[0081]
In use, the catheter assembly 60 is inserted into the patient's blood vessel in much the same manner as described above with reference to the catheter assembly 10. With a properly placed catheter assembly 60, ultrasound imaging of adjacent arterial tissue will be achieved conventionally by the first ultrasound transducer device 88 in much the same manner as described above with respect to the catheter assembly 10. .
[0082]
In addition, the catheter assembly 60 can be employed to provide Doppler data regarding blood velocity within the blood vessel by transmitting electrical pulses to and receiving electrical signals from the second transducer instrument 90.
[0083]
In particular, the second transceiver transmits an electrical signal to the second stator 80 via the third transmission path 98, thereby charging the third coil 106. The charge on the third coil 106 is inductively coupled to the fourth coil 108. This inductive coupling is maximized by the close positional relationship between the second stator 80 and the second rotor 83 at the respective third and fourth bearing surfaces 89 and 91. The induced charge on the fourth coil 108 is then transmitted to the second transducer equipment 90 via the fourth transmission line 100.
[0084]
The electrically excited second transducer device 90 emits ultrasonic energy, which is reflected by the blood flowing into the vessel and returns to the second transducer device 90. This reflected ultrasonic energy creates a return electrical signal in the second transducer device 90 that is transmitted back to the second rotor 83 via the fourth transmission line 100, thereby charging the fourth coil 108. The charge of the fourth coil 108 is inductively coupled to the third coil 106.
[0085]
The inductive charge on the third coil 106 is then transmitted back to the second transceiver 17 via the third transmission path 98. This return electric pulse is further processed as Doppler data. The second transceiver alternately transmits electrical pulses to and receives electrical signals from the transducer equipment 90 to obtain further Doppler data.
[0086]
The benefits and advantages obtained by placing the respective first and second inductive couplers 64 and 65 at the distal end of the catheter assembly 60 adjacent to the respective first and second transducer devices 88 and 90 are Same as described above for assembly 10.
[0087]
Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6, a third exemplary catheter assembly 120 generally includes an elongate main catheter body 122, an elongate telescopic catheter body 124, a far inductive coupler 126, a drive cable 128, a rotary far manipulator 130. And a non-rotating proximity manipulator 132. Telescopic elongated catheter body 124 is movably disposed in main catheter body 122. The drive cable 128 is disposed substantially throughout the telescopic catheter body 124. The drive cable 128, the main catheter body 122 and the telescopic catheter body 124 are mounted on a drive unit 134 proximate to the catheter assembly 120 at their respective proximal ends. The drive unit 134 may be any drive unit suitable for use with telescopic catheters, many of which are known in the art.
[0088]
Inductive coupler 126 is disposed at the distal end of telescopic catheter body 124 and generally includes a stator 136 and a rotor 138. The remote control device 130 is disposed in the main catheter body 122 remote from the telescopic catheter body 124. However, the distal manipulator 130 is partially or fully disposed within the distal end of the telescopic catheter body 124.
[0089]
In particular, the structure and positional relationship between the stator 136 and rotor 138 of the inductive coupler 126 is similar to that described above with respect to the stator 20 and rotor 22 of the inductive coupler 14 of the catheter assembly 10. The remote control device 130 has a transducer alignment and backing layer (not shown) fixedly mounted on the conductive housing 142 in much the same manner as described above with respect to the transducer 28 and housing 30 of the catheter assembly 10. An ultrasonic transducer 140 is provided.
[0090]
Proximity device 132 includes a transceiver that alternately transmits and receives electrical signals to and from transducer 140 to obtain data for vascular wall imaging in which catheter assembly 120 is disposed. However, the remote control device 130 and the proximity control device 132 are not limited to the transducer 140 and the transceiver, respectively, and any rotary and non-rotary devices that are each electrically connected to each other without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. It can be recognized that can also be included.
[0091]
The transceiver 132 is placed inside the drive unit 134. However, the transceiver 132 can be mounted on any stationary platform proximate to the inductive coupler 126 without departing from the principles taught by the present invention.
[0092]
Housing 142, rotor 138 and drive cable 128 are mechanically and rotationally connected to drive unit 134 in much the same manner as described above for housing 30, rotor 22, drive cable 18 and drive unit 19 of catheter assembly 10. Combined. Similarly, the transceiver 132 is inductively coupled in much the same manner as described above for the transceiver 17 and transducer equipment 28 of the catheter assembly 10 except that the first transmission path 144 is disposed within the telescopic catheter body 124. Is electrically coupled to the transducer 140 through a transformer 126 and respective transmission lines 144 and 146.
[0093]
In use, the catheter assembly 120 is inserted into the patient's blood vessel in much the same manner as described above with reference to the catheter assembly 10. With the catheter assembly 120 properly positioned, ultrasound imaging of adjacent arterial tissue will be achieved conventionally by the transducer instrument 140 in much the same manner as described above with respect to the catheter assembly 10.
[0094]
In addition, by manually manipulating the drive unit 134, the telescopic catheter body 124 can be moved relative to the main catheter body 122 to place the transducer 140 adjacent to various desired imaging positions within the patient's blood vessel. Can move vertically. In addition, by automatically manipulating the drive unit 134, the telescopic catheter body 124 is controlled to collect data representing a 360 ° “slice” engraved in the longitudinal direction of the patient's internal vessel wall. Can be moved longitudinally relative to the main catheter body 122 in a uniform manner and the sample can then be reconstructed using known algorithms and in a two- or three-dimensional format on a console monitor (not shown). Can be displayed.
[0095]
With reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8, a fourth exemplary catheter assembly 150 is provided for measuring blood velocity within a patient's blood vessel while also providing an ultrasound image of the vessel wall. Catheter assembly 150 generally includes an elongate catheter body 152, a drive cable 154, a rotary remote control device 156, a non-rotary remote control device 158 and respective first and second non-rotational proximity control devices 160 and 162. The drive cable 154 is disposed substantially throughout the catheter body 152 and both are mounted on a drive unit 164 proximate the catheter assembly 150 at their respective proximal ends. Although each proximity control device 160 and 162 is shown as being disposed within drive unit 164, each proximity control device 160 and 162 is external to drive unit 164 without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. Can be placed.
[0096]
Non-rotary remote control instrument 158 includes a first ultrasonic transducer instrument 166 (forward monitoring transducer) to perform diagnostic functions such as Doppler measurement blood velocity. The first ultrasonic transducer instrument 166 is embedded at the distal tip of the catheter body 152 such that the face of the transducer instrument 166 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the catheter body 152. A conductive transducer backing material 168 is placed directly under the first transducer equipment 166 and the transducer matching material 170 is adhered to the face of the transducer equipment 166 as a transducer matching layer 170 opposite the transducer backing material 168.
[0097]
Alternatively, the non-rotating remote control device 158 has one or more ultrasonic transducer devices embedded in the catheter body 152 such that the surface of the transducer device is substantially parallel to the axis of the guide sheath. In this manner, the ultrasonic transducer device can facilitate therapeutic functions such as, for example, microbubble encapsulated drug ejection. In this case, a focused ultrasound signal is provided to the pathological site in connection with the ejection of microbubble encapsulated drug that is broken by the ultrasound energy and released to the pathological site.
[0098]
The first non-rotating proximity manipulator 160 alternately transmits electrical signals to and from the first transducer instrument 166 to obtain data for Doppler measurement of blood flow within the blood vessel in which the catheter assembly 150 is disposed. And a first transceiver for receiving and receiving. However, the non-rotating remote control device 158 and the first non-rotating proximity control device 160 are not limited to transducer devices and transceivers, respectively, and any non-rotating remote control device 158 and each non-rotating remote control device 160 are electrically connected to each other without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. It can be appreciated that it also includes a rotary device.
[0099]
The first transceiver 160 is electrically coupled to the first transducer equipment 166 through the first transmission line 172. The first transmission path 172 is preferably a twisted pair, but may be any electrical conductor used in the manufacture of catheters such as coaxial cables. The first transmission path 172 is embedded within the wall of the catheter body 152 using an extrusion process. It is important to minimize the presence of bubble-like irregularities and to keep the transmission path spacing inside the catheter body 152 constant during the extrusion process to provide a uniform impedance. This results in a transmission path that is uniformly embedded within the catheter body 152 and has a uniform impedance through the length of the catheter body 152 for optimal signal transmission.
[0100]
The catheter body 152 preferably forms part of the first transmission path 172. For example, as depicted in FIG. 13, the first transmission path 172 is formed from two electric wires 173 with a catheter body 152 serving as an insulating material between the electric wires 173. Equation, z = [120 / sqr (er)] * [ln (2 * s / d)] (where z = impedance, s = interval between wires shown in inches, d = between wires shown in inches And er = effective relative dielectric constant of the medium between the wires), the intrinsic characteristic impedance of the transmission line 172 is obtained. For example, if the diameter (d) of the electric wire 173 is 0.010 inch, the distance (s) between the electric wires is 0.02 inch, and the effective relative dielectric constant (er) of the catheter body 152 is 2.7, the transmission line 172 The impedance (z) will be 100 ohms. The wire 173 is insulated and twisted during extrusion, resulting in a uniform spacing of twisted pairs. It should be noted that wire twisting is used not only to achieve uniform impedance, but also to promote uniform spacing between wires.
[0101]
The rotary remote control instrument 156 has a second transducer instrument 174 for performing ultrasound imaging of the vessel wall. Second transducer instrument 174 is fixedly mounted on housing 176 such that the surface of second transducer instrument 174 is substantially parallel to the axis of catheter body 152. In the preferred embodiment, there is a slight angle between the face of the second transducer instrument 174 and the axis of the catheter assembly 150, thereby providing a “conical sweep” during imaging. A conductive transducer backing material 178 made of a suitable material is placed in the housing 30 and directly below the second transducer equipment 174, and a transducer matching material made of a suitable material is opposite the transducer backing material 178. The transducer matching layer 180 is adhered to the surface of the second transducer equipment 174.
[0102]
The second non-rotating proximity device 162 alternately transmits and receives electrical signals to and from the second transducer device 174 to obtain data for vascular wall imaging in which the catheter assembly 150 is placed. Having a second transceiver.
[0103]
However, the rotary remote control device 156 and the second non-rotating proximity device 162 are not limited to transducer devices and transceivers, respectively, and any rotary type that is electrically connected to each other without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. It can be appreciated that and non-rotating devices can also be included.
[0104]
Housing 176 and drive cable 154 are mechanically and rotationally coupled to drive unit 164 such that drive unit 164 can rotate drive cable 154 and housing 176 as an integral unit. In particular, the proximal end of the drive cable 154 is suitably placed on the drive unit 164 using means known in the art. The drive cable 154 is preferably designed in much the same manner as the drive cable 18 described with respect to the catheter assembly 10.
[0105]
The second transceiver 162 is electrically coupled to the second transducer instrument 174 through the second transmission line 182. The second transmission line 182 is preferably a coaxial cable, but may be any electrical conductor used in the manufacture of a catheter, such as a twisted pair. The second transmission line 182 is disposed in the drive cable 154 using means known in the art.
[0106]
Catheter assembly 150 is similar to that described above for catheter assembly 60 except that first transmission path 172 covers second transducer equipment 174, thereby slightly reducing the imaging capability of catheter assembly 150. Perform ultrasonic imaging and / or Doppler measurements.
[0107]
With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10 and 11, a fifth exemplary catheter assembly 190 is provided for performing a therapeutic application such as ablation treatment, while also providing an ultrasound image of the vessel wall. The catheter assembly 190 generally includes an elongate catheter body 192, a drive cable 194, a rotary remote control device 196, respective first and second non-rotary remote control devices 198 and 200 and respective first and second non-rotational proximity. Manipulation equipment 202 and 204 are included. The drive cable 194 is disposed substantially throughout the catheter body 192 and both are mounted on the drive unit 206 proximate the catheter assembly 190 at their respective proximal ends. Although each proximity control device 202 and 204 is shown as being disposed within drive unit 206, each proximity control device 202 and 204 is external to drive unit 206 without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. Can be placed.
[0108]
In particular, the first and second non-rotating remote control devices 198 and 200 each have an ablation device such as an electrode for performing an ablation treatment, for example. A more detailed description of the ablation electrode is described in Swanson et al., US Pat. No. 5,582,609, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. First and second ablation devices 198 and 200 are secured to the outer surface of catheter body 192 in a known manner, such as mechanical interference. As an alternative, the first and second ablation devices 198 and 200 may be any conductor used to establish electrical contact with non-metallic portions of the circuit, such as, for example, conductive inks. Is described in co-pending application No. 08 / 879,343, filed June 20, 1997, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second non-rotating remote control devices 198 and 200 each have a diagnostic device such as a mapping or pacing electrode.
[0109]
The first non-rotating proximity device 202 has an energy source for the first and second ablation devices 198 and 200, respectively. The energy source may be, for example, an RF generator as described in Jackson et al., US Pat. No. 5,383,874, and Edwards et al., US Pat. No. 5,456,682, which are fully incorporated herein by reference. May be included. It can be appreciated that the ablation devices 198 and 200 can be individually energized with two separate energy sources without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. Also, each of the non-rotating remote devices 198 and 200 and the first non-rotating proximity device 202 are not limited to ablation devices and energy sources, respectively, and are electrically connected to each other without departing from the principles taught by the present invention. It can be appreciated that any non-rotating device can be included in series. For example, the non-rotating far-field devices 198 and 200 and the first non-rotating proximity device 202 will each have mapping or pacing electrodes and a signal generator.
[0110]
The RF generator 202 is electrically coupled to the ablation device 198 and 200 through respective first and second transmission lines 208 and 210. Each second transmission line 208 and 210 preferably includes a pair of leads connected in parallel to the respective ablation devices 198 and 200. Various wire connection techniques are described in US Pat. No. 5,582,609, previously expressed as expressly incorporated herein by reference. Each transmission path 208 and 210 is embedded within the wall of the catheter body 192 using an extrusion process. It can be appreciated that the amount of transmission path embedded in the catheter body 192 is not limited to two. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment that employs four embedded transmission lines 212, 214, 216, and 218 that can be used to excite four ablation devices.
[0111]
As with the catheter assembly 150, the rotary remote control instrument 196 has an ultrasonic transducer instrument 220 with alignment and backing layers 222 and 224 on opposite sides, respectively. Transducer equipment 220 is mounted on a transducer housing 226 that is mechanically and rotationally coupled to drive unit 206 via drive cable 194. Second proximity non-rotating manipulator 204 has a transceiver that is electrically coupled to transducer instrument 220 via a transmission line 228 disposed within drive cable 194.
[0112]
In use, the catheter assembly 190 is inserted into the vessel relative to the patient and manipulated by the physician until the desired area of the patient's coronary artery is adjacent to the transducer device 220. With proper placement of the catheter assembly 190, ultrasound imaging of adjacent arterial tissue is performed to place the ablation device adjacent to abnormal tissue, such as arrhythmic tissue. Arrhythmic tissue can be positioned using a mapping catheter by ultrasound imaging used to identify mapping catheter electrodes adjacent to abnormal tissue. The physician then places each ablation device 198 and 200 adjacent to the identified mapping catheter electrode and thus adjacent to the abnormal tissue. The RF generator 204 is then operated to excite the respective ablation devices 198 and 200 via the respective transmission paths 208 and 210, thereby ablating abnormal tissue. Each transmission line 208 and 210 covers the transducer equipment 220, thereby slightly reducing the imaging ability of the catheter assembly 190.
[0113]
Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a sixth exemplary catheter assembly 230 is provided for providing an ultrasound image of the vessel wall. Catheter assembly 230 generally includes an elongated catheter body 232, a plurality of remote operating devices 234 and a proximal operating device 236 coupled to the remote operating device 234.
[0114]
In particular, the plurality of remote operation devices 234 have respective transducer devices arranged around the periphery so as to be embedded in the distal end of the catheter body 232 and to form a phased array. For ease of illustration, a limited number of transducer equipment is shown. Phased arrays are usually composed of more transducer equipment (generally 32 transducer equipment). A more detailed description of the structure and utility of the phased array is given in US Pat. No. 3,938,502 to Bom, which is expressly and fully incorporated herein by reference.
[0115]
Proximity control equipment 236 includes a transceiver that is electrically coupled to a plurality of transducer equipment 234 via respective transmission paths 236 (partially indicated by phantom lines). The transceiver is configured to provide each of the plurality of phased electrical signals to each transducer equipment 232. Transmission path 236 is embedded inside the wall of catheter body 232 using an extrusion process. The catheter body 232 includes a guide lumen 238 formed therethrough to provide a guide through the wire of the catheter body 232 to the imaging region.
[0116]
Many of the features described with respect to catheter assemblies 10, 60, 120, 150 and 190 can be combined in various ways to create another embodiment. For example, ablation devices with corresponding transmission lines and RF generators can be added to each catheter assembly 10, 60, 120, 150 and 230 to provide ablation treatment capability. Anterior monitoring transducer equipment can be added to the catheter assembly 190 by either being placed in front of the housing 226 or embedded in the catheter body 192 to provide Doppler measurement of blood flow. Catheter assemblies 150 and 190 can be manufactured specifically for rotary transducer equipment that provides Doppler measurement of blood flow, or ablation therapy, respectively.
[0117]
The number of transmission paths that can be embedded within the walls of the guide sheath, and thus the number of remote control devices supported by a special catheter assembly, is limited by space availability and impedance matching. In determining the characteristic impedance of the embedded transmission line, the distance between the two wires and the diameter of the wire in the transmission line must be taken into account. In general, the characteristic impedance of a transmission line is inversely proportional to the natural logarithm of the distance between two wires in the transmission line. The spacing between the wires for a given diameter of the wires of the transmission line thus embedded should be selected in a manner that matches the desired impedance level of the transmission line.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is a partial side cross-sectional view of a first preferred catheter assembly employing a far inductive coupler.
FIG. 1B is a partial side cross-sectional view of a first preferred catheter assembly employing a far inductive coupler.
FIG. 2 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
FIG. 3A is a partial side cross-sectional view of a second preferred catheter assembly employing a far inductive coupler.
FIG. 3B is a partial side cross-sectional view of a second preferred catheter assembly employing a far inductive coupler.
4 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG.
FIG. 5A is a partial side cross-sectional view of a third preferred catheter assembly employing a far inductive coupler.
FIG. 5B is a partial side cross-sectional view of a third preferred catheter assembly employing a far inductive coupler.
6 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG.
7A is a partial side cross-sectional view of a fourth preferred catheter assembly employing an implanted transmission line. FIG.
7B is a partial side cross-sectional view of a fourth preferred catheter assembly employing an implanted transmission line. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIGS. 7A and 7B.
9A is a partial side cross-sectional view of a fifth preferred catheter assembly employing two implantable transmission paths. FIG.
FIG. 9B is a partial side cross-sectional view of a fifth preferred catheter assembly employing two implantable transmission paths.
10 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9B employing four implanted transmission lines.
FIG. 12 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter assembly employing an internal lumen placement transmission path.
13 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the guide sheath and transmission path of the catheter assembly of FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG.
14A is a partial side cross-sectional view of a fifth preferred catheter assembly employing two implantable transmission lines. FIG.
FIG. 14B is a partial side cross-sectional view of a fifth preferred catheter assembly employing two implantable transmission paths.

Claims (21)

An elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
A drive cable disposed in the catheter body and having a proximal end and a distal end and rotatable with respect to the catheter body;
An operation device disposed at a distal end of the drive cable;
A stator disposed in a fixed manner near the distal end in the catheter body and having a hollow cylinder;
A rotor disposed near a distal end of the drive cable, and in electrical communication with the operating equipment, and rotatably disposed within the hollow cylinder and having a rod;
The catheter assembly, wherein the stator and rotor form an inductive coupler.   The stator is made of a ferrite material and further has a first electrically conductive coil disposed on the inner surface of the hollow cylinder, and the rotor is made of a ferrite material and further disposed on the outer surface of the rod. The catheter assembly of claim 1, comprising a coil.   The operating equipment has capacitive reactance, and the stator and rotor have opposing surface areas, where the surface area of each stator and rotor is induced with the respective diameter, size and number of turns of the first and second electrical conducting coils. 3. A catheter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the inductive reactance value of the coupler is selected to be substantially equal to the capacitive reactance.   The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the operating device includes an ultrasonic transducer.   The catheter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the distal end and a proximal end configured for electrical connection to the signal transceiver.   The catheter assembly of claim 5, wherein the conductor is disposed within the catheter body. The stator has a first electrically conductive coil;
The rotor has a second electrically conductive coil;
6. The catheter assembly of claim 5, wherein the ratio of the number of turns between the first and second electrically conductive coils is selected such that the input impedance seen from the conductor to the inductive coupler is substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of the conductor. An elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
A drive cable disposed in the catheter that has a proximal end and a distal end and is rotatable with respect to the catheter body;
First and second operating devices disposed near the distal end of the drive cable;
A first inductive coupler having a first stationary electromagnetic member disposed near the distal end of the catheter inductively coupled with a first rotary electromagnetic member disposed near the distal end of the drive cable;
A second inductive coupler having a second stationary electromagnetic member disposed near the distal end of the catheter inductively coupled to a second rotary electromagnetic member disposed near the distal end of the drive cable;
A catheter assembly, wherein the first rotary electromagnetic device is electrically connected to the first operating device, and the second rotary electromagnetic device is electrically connected to the second operating device. . The first and second stationary ceramic materials each have a first and second stator fixedly disposed within the catheter body,
9. The catheter assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second rotary electromagnetic devices have first and second rotors mechanically coupled to the drive cable, respectively. The first and second stators generally have hollow cylinders;
The catheter assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second rotors have rods rotatably disposed within respective cavity cylinders.   The catheter assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first and second operating devices have ultrasonic transducers.   The catheter body includes a shaft, a first manipulator configured to transmit ultrasonic waves propagating in a direction arranged in axial relation with the catheter body, and an ultrasonic wave propagating at a selected angle with respect to the catheter body axis. The catheter assembly according to claim 11, wherein the catheter assembly is configured to transmit a sound wave. A first conductor having a distal end electrically coupled to the first stationary ceramic component and a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the first signal transceiver;
9. The second conductor having a distal end electrically coupled to the second stationary ceramic component and a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the second signal transceiver. Catheter assembly.   The catheter assembly of claim 13, wherein the first and second conductors are disposed within the catheter body.   The catheter assembly of claim 9, wherein the inductive coupler is electrically isolated from the second inductive coupler. Further, a remote surface that strikes the first stator and forms a first recess for housing the first rotor;
16. The catheter according to claim 15, further comprising an insulating disk abutting the second stator and having a proximal surface forming a second recess for housing the second rotor and disposed near the distal end of the catheter. assembly. An elongate main catheter having a telescopic catheter movably disposed within the elongate main catheter, the main catheter and the telescopic catheter each having a proximal end attached to a drive unit moving in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic catheter. Prepared,
A drive cable disposed within the telescopic catheter, having a proximal end and a distal end, and rotatable relative to the telescopic catheter body;
Operating equipment located on the far end of the drive cable;
A stator located near the distal end of the telescopic catheter,
A catheter assembly comprising a rotor disposed near a distal end of a drive cable and electrically connected to an operating device, wherein the stator and the rotor form an inductive coupler.   18. The catheter assembly of claim 17, wherein the first electromagnetic component has a stator fixedly disposed on the catheter body, and the second electromagnetic component has a rotor mechanically coupled to the drive cable.   The catheter assembly of claim 18, wherein the manipulator includes an ultrasonic transducer. A non-rotating remote control device disposed on the elongated catheter body;
A proximal end projecting into the outer wall substantially along the longitudinal direction of the catheter body and electrically connected to the non-rotating remote control device and configured for electrical coupling to the first proximity control device The catheter assembly of claim 1, comprising a conductor having an end. 21. The catheter assembly of claim 20, wherein the non-rotating remote control device comprises a forward monitoring ultrasonic transducer device mounted at the distal end of the catheter body.

Images